PAUL SIMSON CLAIMS HIS 4TH N.C. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Durham, NC - Paul Simson of Raleigh celebrated Father's Day with son and caddy Phillip to win the 44th North Carolina Amateur Championship at Croasdaile Country Club.

Simson, who now holds four North Carolina Amateurs titles, used crafty putting and a little luck to take the title.  With a two-shot lead heading into the par-4 16th, Simson hooked his tee shot towards the out of bounds only to be saved by the hardwood trees.

"The break I got on 16 made things much easier on me", said the 53 year-old. "Had that ball gone out of bounds, it would have tightened things up quite a bit."

Simson rescued himself from disaster with a punch-out four-iron and snapped his club when a limb intercepted his follow through.   He went on the par the hole from 40 yards out.

Will Shambley, an 18 year old enrolling at UNC-Wilmington this fall, finished alone in second at five-under par 203.

The four NC Amateur titles put Simson in an elite class having won more titles than anyone.  Four other golfers have won the event only twice.

And if that record is not enough, Simson now becomes the oldest golfer to ever win this championship.  
"This has been a great week," said the affable Simson.  "Having Phillip with me as caddy kept me calm today.  He provides a steady influence for me."
The North Carolina Amateur Championship is conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association.